Trevor John Band Brings the House Down at the Berkeley Arms

Another evening, another music adventure; this time it was my first visit to The Berkeley Arms, Bosham

When people warned me it was going to be busy, they weren’t exaggerating. I arrived to find the venue operating on a guest list-only basis, a clear sign of just how popular the evening had become. Fortunately, I had been invited along by Sean Meads to photograph what was billed as the final Trevor John Band gig.

The celebrations were in full swing as the Berkeley Arms marked its 12th anniversary, with the atmosphere electric. Trevor John Band wasted no time getting the party going, launching into a set packed with popular favourites that had the crowd singing along from the start.

Getting photographs was a challenge in itself. With every inch of space occupied, I had to resort to a few cheeky photographer tactics, slipping in through a side entrance and finding a spot beyond one of the speakers to grab some shots from the front. It was worth the effort and was great catching up with so many familiar faces from the local live music scene.

Once I’d escaped the hustle and bustle indoors, I discovered one of the venue’s hidden gems: the garden offered a much calmer setting where I could still enjoy every song while capturing photographs from behind the stage. From there I had a direct view of the band, the crowd and the stunning surroundings, giving me a completely different perspective on what was a memorable evening.

At the centre of it all was Trevor John himself. Despite many people assuming John is his surname, it is actually his middle name. Originally from a musical family in Singapore, Trevor has spent many years performing in the UK and has built a reputation for a voice that can effortlessly move from powerful rock classics to more intimate acoustic favourites. That versatility was on full display throughout the evening, with songs spanning multiple decades and genres, keeping the packed audience entertained throughout.

It’s easy to see why the Berkeley Arms has earned such a strong reputation, known for its welcoming atmosphere, characterful surroundings and commitment to live music. Combined with the energy of the crowd and a band delivering hit after hit, it made for a brilliant evening.

Congratulations to the Berkeley Arms on celebrating 12 years, and to Trevor John Band for providing the perfect soundtrack to the occasion.

If this really was the band’s final chapter, then it was a fitting way to bow out: a packed venue, fantastic atmosphere and set full of songs people singing along to throughout. Not many bands get the chance to sign off in front of a crowd like that, but Trevor John Band did exactly that.

Here’s to the memories, music and one last great night at the Berkeley Arms, a fitting finale for a band that has entertained audiences across the South Coast for many years.

Neil Terry

June 2026